Two cases exhibit the extent of SARS’ powers, albeit from opposing perspectives. The first demonstrates the big role SARS can play in both recovering the proceeds of state capture and in bringing the looters to book, while the second shows how devastating SARS’ powers can be when not exercised within the legislative framework.

SARS’ recruitment drive has provided some insight into the state of affairs at the organisation. With applications now closed, SARS released the details around the roughly 88,000 applications it received, and the numbers paint an unsettling picture.

Many taxpayers will breathe a sigh of relief following Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni’s, 2020 Budget Speech. Many pundits predicted that the Minister’s hands were tied and he would have no choice but to increase the VAT rate or at least tax rates across the board. Instead, the Minister afforded some relief to taxpayers with an above-inflation increase in the personal income tax brackets and rebates.